Chelsea are set to sign Real Madrid midfielder Matteo Kovacic on a season-long loan, according to reports in Spain.
The 24-year-old has already expressed his desire to leave Madrid this summer as he is unhappy with the amount of playing time he has received since he joined from Inter in a £22.5 million deal three years ago.
Despite Kovacic wanting to change clubs, Madrid have been unwilling to sell and have attempted to convince the midfielder to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu under new manager Julen Lopetegui.
But according to Marca, Madrid have now given up with their efforts to keep Kovacic and the Croatia international is now on the verge of joining Chelsea on loan for the new season.
The report claims that Chelsea have reached an agreement with the player and the deal will be announced at some point on Tuesday.
Kovacic helped force his move away from Madrid before the end of the transfer window by refusing to continue with pre-season training until his future is resolved.
The midfielder, who returned from holiday on Monday after Croatia's World Cup campaign, is currently training with Madrid's Castilla side.
Kovacic has also been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham.
But the Croatia international is now set to undergo a medical with Chelsea ahead of his switch to Stamford Bridge.
Last week, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri indicated that he wants the club to sign another midfielder following the acquisition of Jorginho earlier this summer.
'We have very good midfielders, but maybe a midfielder with different characteristics [would be a good fit],' said the Italian before Chelsea's defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield.
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